I was looking for a way to introduce this thread, but let's just ask the question directly: what is the best final, closure shot, final sequence you've seen so far.

I don't know if, objectively, mine could be considered as one of the most powerful, but it's the one that inspired this thread.

"Nuovo cinema Paradiso", when the now adult Salvator watch every scene that were ever censored by the church when it was in control of the cinema (basically, actors going for a dramatic classic kiss).

So, what's yours?

To get obvious ones out of the way...

Requiem For A Dream's closing sequence knocks me down every time.
And the last 60 seconds or so of Fight Club gives me an instant adrenaline burst.
Magnolia...need I say anymore?


Im hoping someone won't mention The Usual Suspects...Im not sure what people see in it at all. Thats fine if they like it, its just not my thing at all.

I actually loved the Usual Suspects ending, but I haven't seen it in a few years.

I definitely agree on Magnolia.
2001: A Space Odyssey's ending is unbelievable.
The final shot in THX 1138 is amazing, but I don't know if that can count as a good "ending."
Here's another cliche example, but I always loved the Reservoir Dogs ending. It's just so intense.

Spoiler:
The ending scene in Full Metal Jacket when they stand over the sniper debating over whether or not they should kill her is one of the most haunting images I've ever seen in a war movie.

speaking of FMJ,
the final march in which the soldiers sing the mickey mouse song is amazing also, similar to the marching in the the first half, but this time it isn't funny, it's just disturbing.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Psychonaut,

Fight Club's so great because instead of throwing it away as simply a twist ending you've got the kissing and mayhem and subliminal penises and what-not all
culminating to the only way you could've ended that movie (even if it wasn't how the book ended.)

As for twist endings, I'd say Fallen is still my favorite. I don't know how popular that was, but it's good enough that I don't want to give it away to anyone who hasn't seen it.

Now, I don't mind endings that basically leave the movie open for a sequel, if it was a good movie to begin with, anyway. The ending for Batman Begins was great. Pirates of the Caribbean II, not so much.

The funny thing, though, is this: when the orignal post mentions a movie like Nuovo cinema Paradiso I feel odd not mentioning a non-Hollywood movie older than ten years old. Searching my memory, though, the best example of an even memorable ending is Holy Mountain, whose ending more aggrevating than anything (though, it managed not detracte from the awesomeness of the movie itself, which is a feat.) I don't know what that means, but I'll guess it has something to do with me being shallow.

elliott (otiose)...

quote:

the best example of an even memorable ending is Holy Mountain

God, how did I not think about that one?

I remember actually being really pissed off at the ending while I was watching it, probably because it made me feel like a tool. Then, not 15 minutes later, I was laughing my ass off about it.

There was also the final shot of "The bird" that was pretty disturbing.

Damn bird...

quote:

Originally posted by Honorius:
There was also the final shot of "The bird" that was pretty disturbing.

Do you mean Hitchcock's The Birds? or what are you referring to...

Is there another movie by the same title?